Three stars would be a compliment to many running backs around the country, but for Las Vegas running back Stephen Nixon, it is motivation. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Nixon said he sees himself as a four-star back and will set about trying to attain that fourth star as football camp gets underway starting today at Cimarron High School.

"I assure you I am better than that," Nixon said of his three-star ranking. "I am not a complete back like some of the other people, but I see myself as better than that (three stars). I think I should have had four stars."

Nixon rushed for 1,954 yards and 23 touchdowns last season on a 7-4 Cimarron High team which made the second round of playoffs. Nixon ran for a 9.3 yards per carry average, which was actually down from a 10.3 yards per carry average Nixon posted as a sophomore. The numbers have been impressive enough for scholarship offers from UNLV, Northern Arizona, Colorado State, Utah State, Arizona State and Portland State.

While the coaches are in the midst of a dead period of recruiting, Scott said he has two early favorites. He said he will likely set up some visits when he hears from coaches again.

"Right now UNLV and Colorado State (are emerging as favorites)," Nixon said. "The reason I picked UNLV is I like the way they do everything and how I would fit in the offense as a running back and it is the same way with Colorado State."

Starting today, Nixon and his Cimarron squad starts practice today in Las Vegas. Nixon said camp starts with testing tomorrow and he is hoping to run a 4.3 time in the 40-yard dash and post a 37-inch height in the vertical leap. After the testing, Nixon said the squad gets down to business and the goals are lofty.

"Our team is good," Nixon said. "We have a chance of making state, but our first goal is to make it to the playoffs and take it one game at a time. Our goals haven't changed. My goal is to be a more powerful blocker, because that is what I need to work on. I want to get over 2,000 yards and to help out the team any way I can."

Nixon said he is planning on majoring in criminal justice to follow in his father's footsteps as a policeman.